The Chicago Bulls are synonymous with Michael Jordan and the six-title dynasty of the 1990s. Their logo is one of the most recognized in sports worldwide. Here's who they are and how to read their odds.
Who the Chicago Bulls are
City and arena
The Bulls joined the NBA as an expansion team in 1966. They played at the Chicago Stadium, known for its deafening noise, before moving in 1994 to the United Center on Chicago's Near West Side. A statue of Michael Jordan stands outside the arena.
Famous eras
- Early years: the Bulls made the playoffs in their first season, an expansion rarity.
- The Jordan dynasty: with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and coach Phil Jackson, the Bulls won six titles in two three-peats: 1991-1993 and 1996-1998. The 1995-96 team went 72-10, a record at the time.
- After Jordan: the franchise has gone through rebuilds and playoff runs, including strong teams around 2010-2012.
Rivalries
The Detroit Pistons' "Bad Boys" were the Bulls' great obstacle in the late 1980s. The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers (Jordan's famous series-winning shot in 1989) were also major rivals. The Bulls play in the Central Division with the Pistons, Cavaliers, Pacers and Bucks.
How to read odds on Bulls games
Favorite or underdog
Bulls -2 (-110), moneyline -135: implied 135 ÷ 235 = 57.4%. Bulls +7.5 (-110), moneyline +260: implied 100 ÷ 360 = 27.8%.
Brand vs current team
The Bulls' global brand is enormous thanks to the Jordan era. But the current roster is what matters for odds. Popular teams can attract public interest that's out of proportion with their current quality. Always judge the team on its present performance.
Worked example: mid-table teams and the spread
When two average teams meet, NBA spreads are usually small. Bulls -2 at home against a similar team.
- Spread cover needs a win by 3 or more.
- Moneyline at -135 needs any win.
If you estimate the Bulls win 58% of the time and win by 3+ about 50% of the time:
- Moneyline EV per 100: 0.58 × 74.07 − 0.42 × 100 = 42.96 − 42 = +0.96
- Spread EV per 110: 0.50 × 100 − 0.50 × 110 = -5
In close games, small differences between markets matter. See moneyline bets.
Rest and schedule
NBA teams play lots of games, including back-to-backs. Teams in the middle of the standings may also manage minutes for younger players later in the season. Check schedules and announced rest. See basketball odds explained.
Mid-table motivation
Teams fighting for a play-in spot late in the season can be highly motivated, while teams clearly out of contention may give more minutes to young players. When a mid-table team like the Bulls plays in March or April, check the standings for both sides. Motivation is hard to measure, but rotation changes are easy to spot and can affect lines. See how to read a matchup.
Home court at the United Center
The United Center is one of the largest arenas in the NBA by capacity, and Chicago's crowds are passionate. As always, home advantage is already priced in.
What to check before picking Bulls games
- Star and rotation availability.
- Back-to-backs and travel.
- Pace for totals.
- Motivation late in the season, depending on playoff position.
- Home court at the United Center.
- The price. See implied probability.
Futures
For mid-table teams, season win totals are often more practical than championship odds. If the Bulls' win total is 36.5 with the over at -110, the implied chance of 37 or more wins is 52.4%. Think about injuries, schedule and the team's direction. See championship odds explained.
Practice with play money
Bulls games are a nice way to practice reading close, mid-table matchups. On MockSport you can make free play-money picks on spreads and moneylines and see which market suits small favorites better. Visit the odds page.
FAQ
How many championships did the Bulls win with Michael Jordan?
Six: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997 and 1998.
What was the Bulls' 72-10 season?
The 1995-96 Bulls won 72 games, a record at the time, and went on to win the championship.
Where do the Bulls play?
At the United Center in Chicago, home since 1994.